League News

GGRD Statement On Sexual Harassment & Assault

Gotham Girls Roller Derby strives to create an environment where our skaters, officials and volunteers can thrive on and off the track. We aim to foster a community where everyone in our league can bring their full selves to the sport and feel safe, heard and empowered.

In recent months, the #MeToo movement has highlighted the stories of survivors of sexual harassment and assault. The movement has inspired a national dialogue, conversations and precipitated action from Hollywood, the media, politics, and across other industries. Roller derby is far from immune from this abuse, and we recognize how vital it is to uplift the voices of survivors in our own community.

To create change within our own spaces, we know we must proactively create policies where folks can report incidents and trust that they will be believed and that appropriate action will be taken. As such, we are reviewing and updating our own reporting policies to ensure that there is no tolerance for abusive behavior and that there is a clear path for those who come forward.

Gotham is not just a community of people who love roller derby. We are also a community of survivors and allies ourselves. We stand with folks across the sport who are survivors of sexual abuse both inside and outside of derby. Today, we affirm our commitment to cultivating an environment that meets the needs of everyone in our league, and resonates not just in our own athletic community but the community at large.